THE DOCK SITE. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 41, 18 February 1908, Page 3

THE DOCK SITE. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,— Assuming that a mistake has been made in the location of the dock, we should first consider whother.a better site 13 availnblo; if there is none, tho argument is at an end. It seems to bo the province of Mr. Ferguson, as consulting engineer, to say whether a more .suitable site can be found, assuming there is such g, site ; then, w hut can be done with tho preacnt one, and tho work done upon it. Without traversing othor opinions, I would suggest that- the present site ■ now di edged to 42ft, should bo converted into a Wet dock, or basin, by dredging a bit more to make it wider, leaving a narrow mouth for entrance, enclosing tho excavation by a wall, forming breastwork' for shipping. _ Such a dock will bo needed lierc, as in other important harbours, to meet emergencies which often happen, but do not require a dry dock, and it could be used at ordinary times -for ordinary berthagc. To say that tho cost of altering the sito.of our dry dock is • alarming seoms absurd, when tho ,cxliondituro already incurred can be so utilised, uncl so far a-> agreements aro concerned between tTie powers thai, be, \Uiy huch things* 1 aro varied anil adjusted every day by business people. Tho fad is "where there i? a will tliero is 11 waj." ■Are we to have iemunernti\e berthagc or ■111 unreiiiuneralivo dry dock in tho wrong place'; —l tun, <?tc, PETER ELLIS. , Welliiieiom 17th February